The 5 P’s of automated milking systems (Part 1)

This is the first article of a two-part series. In the second article, the author will discuss the factors for success related to startup pace, pellet and PMR, and post-startup protocols. Click here to read the second article. 

Each automated milking system startup can be broken into the five P’s: pre-startup, people, pace, pellets/partially mixed ration (PMR) and post-startup. Focusing on the five P’s can minimize stress and help the farm team and cows easily adapt to an automated milking system.

1. Pre-startup

Invest the time to plan for and manage the start-up process. Determine which cows will enter the automated milking system prior to start-up to encourage a smooth transition. Other preparations include:

• Make decisions on culling and possible early dry-offs.
• Select cows with udders that allow for quick milking unit attachment (square teats, similar teat lengths and balanced udders).
• Put on collars or tags early. This gives the system a few weeks to collect data and identify challenged cows.
• Give the system a few weeks to build a baseline of data (eating time, rumination, etc). This will help you ensure all cows are in the system prior to their first visit to the robot.
• Strategize cow groupings. In most robotic milking facilities, a cow will be in the same pen during her whole lactation. Without proper planning, pens can have wide ranges of days in milk (DIM).
• Pre-train cows on robots to help them recognize the equipment and how to enter and exit. Push cows through the robot two to four times, offering feed but not milking them.
• Have lime or sand on hand to keep cows from slipping as they go through the robot.
• If you currently milk in a parlor and your new system will include finger gates, consider installing these at the parlor exit so cows understand they can get through them.
• Singe hair on the whole udder, especially the foreudder. Trim cow tails to keep tails from wrapping around brushes. This prevents the robot from misreading the tail as a teat.

2. People

Pre-startup communication with key team members is essential. Plan for chores such as bedding, hoof trimming and footbaths. Update employee job descriptions, health protocols and other farm processes.

Ask for help from others for the first four to five days of the startup. Enlist people who are calm, quiet and gentle cow handlers, especially during this period of elevated stress. Other key preparations for team members include:

• Put together a four-to five-day schedule that is broken into eight-hour shifts.
• Add wash times to the schedule and use these for breaks and shift changes.
• Assign two good cow handlers in each pen and one person in the robot room to map and attach units.
• Keep the robot room dark and quiet with minimal traffic flow.

Switching to an automated milking system is a huge transition for both cows and people. Mitigating as many stressors as possible will pay dividends. Careful planning, effective communication and protocols aligned with natural cow behavior will help everyone adapt to the new lifestyle.

This article was originally published in the July 19, 2024, issue of Progressive Dairy. Click here for the original article.